A leaflet campaign aimed to stir up hatred and division towards the upcoming Drag Queen Story Hour performance has been met with anger from Swindon locals.
After a successful performance last year that also saw a massive counter-protest drown out a small group of protestors, Drag Queen Story Hour is returning to Swindon's Wyvern Theatre this weekend.
This has prompted members of a far-right hate group to post unsolicited leaflets that say 'Stop Drag Story Hour' and 'Protect Our Children' through letterboxes all over town.
Now the people of Swindon are once again planning a counter-protest to 'drown out the hate'.
The leaflet, from the far-right, fascist, neo nazi and white nationalist hate group Patriotic Alternative, asserts, without evidence, that events like this contribute to the sexualisation of children as well as the alleged rise in child-on-child sexual assaults.
It also highlights a perceived concerted effort to introduce transgender propaganda in schools, as well as teach sexual education to ever-younger children in schools, including primary schools.
Reacting to the unexpected arrival through their door on social media, one member of the public said: "Just arrived home to this in my letterbox.
"The only thing my children need protecting from are the small-minded bigots who posted this crap in the first place."
Another added: "Just walked in to see this, and I have to say, fantastic advertising. STOP in big letters to catch your attention, it quickly gets to the point, and tells you exactly when and where it is, excellent work.
"And the back telling me all about how events like these help support children's sexual education, teach them about LGBTQ+ people, and introduce them to the works of Marx, which is wonderful, he was a fantastic economist and philosopher.
"I wasn't planning to see this, but I think I'm now fully convinced."
Paul Stewart, chairperson for Swindon & Wiltshire Pride said: "We are looking forward to welcoming back Drag Queen Story Hour this Sunday after the success of last year's event.
"Patriotic Alternative has an agenda to misinform the public and to create misplaced outrage around these events.
"Our Drag Queen is a professional storyteller who will be reading children's books to children and their parents in a fun and engaging way.
"Thank you to the Wyvern Theatre for letting us return and to Wiltshire Police for their support in ensuring the event can safely go ahead."
In it, a spokesperson said: "Hey Swindon! Remember the spectacular welcome we gave Aida and her guests last time at the Wyvern? It's time to do it again, but this time, let's go BIGGER, LOUDER, and PROUDER!
"The Mission: Aida, our fabulous Drag Queen, is making another Royal Visit to Swindon, and guess what? The Meanies are back too, trying to spread their message of hate. But we won't let them dampen our spirits or divide our community! This is ROUND TWO, and we're all about love, acceptance, and bubbles – lots of BUBBLES from our bubble machine!
"This Sunday, 4th February, we're standing united again with our LGBT+ family, friends, colleagues, and the whole Swindon community. We refuse to let far-right bigots divide us with their weary messages of suspicion and hate.
"We’re planning a peaceful, inclusive, and non-confrontational celebration of diversity and love. But we need your help to spread the word and get as many people as possible to join us in this beautiful show of solidarity."
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